December 31 Run/Walk: Meet at Big Dog Coffee, 2717 Sarah Street in the South Side + New Years Day Run on Monday at 7:30 at 61C

This Sunday, let's return to the South Side to Big Dog Coffee. Then a bonus run on Monday for New Years Day at 61C Cafe (or Starbucks if they are closed).

Last Sunday, Christmas Eve, we enjoyed a new location at Redhawk in Sharpsburg.  The Etna Riverfront Park was inviting, as well as the eclectic streets of this charming borough.  Runners went all the way to Camp Guyasuta.

Coffee was festive and endorsements included:

• Movies such as The Holdovers and Feast of the Seven Fishes;
• Shows such as The Bear (on Hulu)
• Mansion:  Not far from Sharpsburg and endorsed is the Bayernhof Museum.  
• Contractor Plumbing Supply
• Distinctly U (kitchen and bathroom home remodeling)

December 24 Run/Walk: Meet at Redhawk Coffee Roasters in Sharpsburg: 1019 N. Canal Street

Hello everyone, just a quick note this week.  

On Sunday, we will check out a new coffee shop in Sharpsburg: Redhawk Coffee Roasters (1019 N. Canal Street Pittsburgh, PA 15215).

Last Sunday we channeled George Clooney and enjoyed delicious Nespresso and tasty treats at Linda's house in Point Breeze.  Thank you for hosting, Linda!

The walkers looked for curmudgeon coffee shop owner in the neighborhood while the runners found a deer bowhunter's treehouse in Frick Park.  Very exciting!

I'm unsure whether 61C will be open on Monday morning for the Christmas run, but if it's not, head over to Shady/Forbes Starbucks.  Remember, Monday will be 7:30 rather than 7:00.

Dec. 17 Run/Walk: Meet at Linda's house, 103 S. Lexington in Pt. Breeze

Thank you to Linda for offering the coffee locale for our next excursion!  We'll meet at her house at 103 S. Lexington in Pt. Breeze (map, and ignore the fact that it says Lincoln Hwy, it's just Penn Ave.)  

Last week, yet again, dark clouds destroyed all chances of experiencing the usual glorious sunrise over the Highland Park reservoir.  However, yet again, the rain ceased just as we set out! We investigated the overhyped refurbished old tunnel, which was about 10 feet long.  But the run was extensive, and the walk was lovely, and we populated the comfy long table at Tazza, so all was copacetic.  (Does anyone say that anymore?)  Much to discuss, but if we leave out the miserable state of the world we end up with:

• The Rancho Gordo bean club (apparently sold out but you can still get the beans.)
• 1970's bran muffins, most likely this recipe from the ancient New York Times Natural Foods Cookbook.  I know I made these. Also, hermits.
• Local farm to your table:  Weatherbury Farm, which is not far from Meadowcroft (19,000 years of history) - revisit your inner hippie.
• Wings TV show (was this good??)
• There is an airport app that tells you the wait at the TSA line.
• Still need a tree?  Hands down best source:  Shadyside Nursery.

December 10 Run/Walk: Meet at the Tazza D'Oro, 1125 N. Highland Ave. for a Highland Park excursion

This Sunday in Highland Park we'll meet at Enrico's Tazza d'Oro and check out the newly restored pedestrian tunnel that evidently has parapet walls and dates to the 19th century.  Infrastructure!  Also let's hope for one of those gorgeous sunrises over the reservoir - should happen at 7:30 am if conditions are right.

Of course the pelting rain immediately stopped at 7 am on Sunday, and we were able to engage in our customary dahntahn holiday sights tour.  We'll have to come back to have the annual menorah rating (hopefully better than the miserable PVC pipe one of yore) because it's scheduled to go up this Friday.  But both trees and the creche got thumbs up.  I do miss the Steeler Tree (see vintage photo below) however, that only comes when they're in the playoffs (never say never.)  Rock N'Joe Coffee will get a repeat - up in the loft, we endorsed:

• Yuzu Kitchen - delish and handy for pre-event dinners downtown
• Podcasts:  Ear Hustle, Throughline, Death Sex & Money, Heavyweight, Israel Story, the Ezra Klein Show
• Read: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Story (McBride) and Great Expectations (Dickens).
• See:  The Red Dress (and three other spectacular Dresses) at the Frick - free to all.
• Ron Donoughe's new book Ways of Pittsburgh - there was RG presence at the opening.
• You don't have to get car rental insurance - usually already covered by your credit card and/or your own car insurance.  
• AAA has roadside service for bicyclists now!
• "I love a good colonoscopy" not only heard but explained:  involves drugs and cleansing.